Geographical location

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The geographical location and associated climate has a significant influence on greenhouse climate and energy consumption, especially if the greenhouse is not properly designed or managed. Outdoor temperature affects the energy needed for heating or cooling the greenhouse. In humid climates, it can be difficult to regulate the humidity inside the greenhouse, which can be problematic for plants that are sensitive to high humidity. Wind can affect the temperature inside a greenhouse by increasing heat loss through convection. This can be problematic on colder climates if the greenhouse is poorly insulated or not properly sealed, whereas in warmer climates, it can facilitate easier cooling of the greenhouse. Most importantly, the availability and intensity of natural light has a huge impact on the additional heating and cooling, as well as the potential crop production. Also the location determines the path (angle) of the sun and with this the light transmission of the greenhouse.

In the figure below the monthly average climate of 5 locations with a very different climate is shown, in context of the need for heating cooling and artificial illumination.

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Monthly solar radiation sum plotted against the monthly average outdoor temperature from Jan (1) to Dec (12) for different geographical locations. The graph is devided into sections where additional cooling, heating or artificial illumination is required for greenhouse crop production.

The geographical location also determines the conditions and available resources for sustainable supply of energy such as the possibility to harness solar or wind power, or to dig for geothermal aquifers.